ROTC revival has broad support across different age groups, including college-aged Pinoys--Gatchalian
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian (Senate PRIB)
The proposal to implement the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) in college has broad support across different socio-economic classes and different age groups, including college-aged individuals. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian highlighted this detail from the results of a commissioned Pulse Asia survey, which showed that 78 percent or nearly eight out of 10 Filipinos support the implementation of ROTC at the tertiary level. A closer look at the results of the survey revealed that 75 percent of the poll's respondents aged 18-24--the same group that will take part in the program--agree with the proposed revival of ROTC in college, he said. Support for the measure is also overwhelming among people with varying educational backgrounds, including those who received some high school education (74 percent), completed high school (77 percent), those who received some college education (79 percent), and those who are in vocational education (83 percent). "Malinaw na batay sa pag-aaral, suportado ng ating mga mamamayan ang panukalang ibalik ang ROTC (Based on studies, our countrymen support the proposed return of ROTC). Sentimyento ito hindi lang ng ating mga magulang, kundi pati na rin ng ating mga kabataan (This is not only the sentiment of the parents but also the youth), Gatchalian said. Gatchalian is co-author and co-sponsor of Senate Bill (SB) No.2034, or the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Act. Aside from training students for national defense preparedness, civil military operations, and law enforcement, SB No.2034 also aims to provide students with skills and knowledge to provide service in times of emergencies and disasters, including disaster response operations, rescue and relief operations, and early recovery activities. “Hindi lamang ang ating mga kabataan ang makikinabang sa ROTC, kundi ang buong bansa (Aside from the students, the nation stands to benefit from the ROTC as well),’’ he added. Those who favor the restoration of ROTC believe that it will teach young people discipline and responsibility (71 percent). They also believe that it will train and prepare students to defend the country (60 percent). Under the ROTC bill, all undergraduate students shall undertake the Mandatory Basic ROTC for four semesters.